Macro-capture system will provide water to some 3,000 residents of the indigenous community of Campo Loa

Asuncion, IP Agency.-The Ministry of Public Works, through the Directorate of Drinking Water and Sanitation, is building a Macro-catchment System for water in the Paraguayan Chaco. This project is part of a pilot plan initiated in January of this year for the indigenous community of Campo Loa – Mariscal Estigarribia, Paraguayan Chaco, which will benefit some 3,000 compatriots, ensuring a source of water for the entire community.

The system is built through a non-reimbursable cooperation of USD 200,000, from the Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean, with supervision and support from the Directorate of Drinking Water and Sanitation of the MOPC, in cooperation with the Municipality of Mariscal Estigarribia.

The construction of the water collection systems, reservoirs and treatment plant has already been completed and hydraulic tests have begun in order to hand them over to the community. With this initiative, a subsequent evaluation will be carried out in order to analyze the possibility of replicating the work in other communities in the medium-term future.

Details of the work

This system is based on a method used in the Mennonite colonies in the area, allowing the provision of water for consumption and production.

The Macro Capture System includes 14 hectares of raised beds, one 10,000 m³ buffer reservoir, one 45,000 m³ reservoir, a water treatment system and four reservoir tanks for treated water.

Likewise, the construction of the shed where the water treatment plant is located, the perimeter fences and the house of the person in charge of operating the system were completed.